Trinidad and Tobago Steelband Panorama and Carnival Schedule 2017

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Complete Trinidad and Tobago 2017 National Panorama competition schedule. All rounds - preliminary, semi-finals and finals.
see complete schedule

Web Posted - Wednesday November 30, 2016
When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The present executive under the leadership of brother Keith Diaz, have embarked on an industrial, commercial and globalization thrust which is slowly but surely taking shape and getting off the ground. Only now to be distracted by an over ambitious individual who swears to stop at nothing to have his own way. He is not the first, and certainly would not be the last. But his malicious and reckless allegations are doing untold damage to the fabric of the organization that he has an obsession with wanting to lead.

He has accused the president of mismanagement and wastage, claiming that for things to improve, the president must leave, resign and pass on the leadership to him. Realizing that he was on his own with that position, he took to the position that some of the executive members together with the president must go. Today he is saying that the whole executive must demit office so that he can fix all the ills of the Steelpan movement. Is he a magician, or is he suffering from some sort of dementia?
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 29, 2016
When Steel Talks

Global - For the 2017 Panorama season, KI & The Band present “Peter Pan.” The track was written by, and is in memory of, Kegan Kellar. The live pan performance featured is by Johann Chuckaree.
listen to tune

Web Posted - Monday November 28, 2016
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - To borrow a proper quip “Were you there?” If not, you missed an engaging event. One of three Pan Competitions held nationally, a staple in our creative arts and entertainment calendar. Seven steelbands, performing Christmas classics this year in Calypso tempo showcasing the creativity of our arrangers and the versatility of the only instrument created in the 20th century and in the Caribbean. It was a good evening with the right mix of good performances and opportunities to social and network.
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Web Posted - Sunday November 27, 2016
When Steel Talks

New York, USA - Jathniel Thomas (Jackspania), a multi-talented musician, was born in the island of Trinidad in the village of Arouca. He first started playing the guitar at the age of ten and eventually learned other instruments including: Bass, Keyboard, Drums, Percussions and steel pan. Thomas aka “Jato” was the leader of several bands over the years, including the Fabulous Deltones, and the Hi-Lights in Trinidad as well as several bands in the USA. He also backed many well-known artists including Mighty Sparrow, Mighty Duke and Lord Nelson.

In recent years, he released several songs for the upcoming Panorama seasons. Information available says Jathniel “Jackspania” Thomas passed away November 15, 2016.
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Web Posted - Friday November 25, 2016
NationNews Barbados

 Evening of Pan a hit

Barbados, W.I. - The sweet sounds from the steel pan and the rhythmic beats from the tuk band were enough to whip the crowd into a frenzy at the Everything Bajan Evening Of Pan.

Those who gathered on the damp grounds two Saturdays ago at the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) headquarters, George Street, St Michael, enjoyed the evening of local music, despite the light showers.

Combermere School Steel Orchestra was well received as the opening act. One pan lover was overheard saying: “These little children talented.”

....The Darryl Jordan Secondary School Steel Orchestra had a sweet set and the energy of the evening shot up a notch when past Parkinson Secondary School student and saxophonist Mylon Clarke joined them to serenade the crowd with his musical magic.
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Web Posted - Friday November 25, 2016
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

 A magnificent night of music

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “Magnificent is the only word I can find to describe Constellations II, staged by Massy Trinidad All Stars at Queen’s Hall, last Saturday. A follow up to Constellations I, staged by the Duke Street street orchestra at Church of Our Lady of the Rosary last month, this edition featured a programme of mixed performances showcasing voice, pan and other conventional instruments.

“Doing a wonderful job as show host by maintaining a seamless programme, Gerelle Forbes gave the packed venue snippets of All Stars’ illustrious history dating back to the band’s previous metamorphosis during an 80-year span.

“All Stars opened the evening in a dramatic fanfare performing Strauss’ Sunrise Fanfare (Thus Spoke Zarathustra), conducted by Deryck Nurse.
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 23, 2016
St. Scholastica News

Minnesota, USA - A faculty member in St. Scholastica's music department will offer insights about the history and cultural impact of steel drum music during a free talk at 3:40 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 in room 4119 of Tower Hall on campus.

Jeremy Craycraft, assistant professor of percussion and director of the College's World Drumming Ensemble, Drumline, and Steel Band, will present "A Nation Evolves Through Song and Steel."

Last January, Craycraft spent 11 days in Tunapuna, Trinidad as a briefly "adopted" member of the birdsong Academy and Steel Orchestra. Tunapuna is an urban neighborhood near Trinidad's capital, Port of Spain, which is the cultural and fine arts hub of the nation. Birdsong is one of the countless neighborhood community steel bands found throughout Trinidad & Tobago.
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 22, 2016
When Steel Talks

Global - Winston “Skippy” Maingot has won Calypso titles in Montreal, and Toronto, Canada. His compositions have been performed by artists such as “Crazy,” Macomere Fifi and Ronnie McIntosh as well as Connector, to name a few. Maingot was also a member of the Expo ‘67 Steelband.

In 2014, for “Skippy” there was Nothing Sweeter Than Pan while 2016 came alive with Doh Jam Me. He makes a musical appearance for the 2017 Panorama season with Pan In T&T.
listen to tune

Web Posted - Monday November 21, 2016
When Steel Talks

 NIU Steelband - Tradition, Expectations and the Future

DeKalb, Illinois, USA - At 5:02 EST (Eastern Standard Time) NIU (Northern Illinois University) Steelband took the stage to loud applause. Dressed in NIU’s official colors red and black, the NIU steelpan music program is now clearly a part of the NIU music landscape. Streaming its Fall concerts live over the internet with quality video and audio has become an expected norm.
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Web Posted - Sunday November 20, 2016
When Steel Talks

Global - Hailing from Trinidad & Tobago, Anthony Marvin Franklyn aka “Marvin Phoenix” is an aspiring vocalist, and has been pursuing this since he was seven. With inspiration from classical singer Josh Groban, the late R&B star Whitney Houston, as well as Machel Montano, Franklyn was moved to join a choir at that age.

....Franklyn released two songs in 2016 “Breakaway Gyal” and “De Conqueror” and for 2017 he is back again with a song written and composed by Simeon Superville - Party Fever.
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Web Posted - Sunday November 20, 2016
When Steel Talks

 New York Standout Panist Injured in Brooklyn Junction Hit-and-Run

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Brooklyn standout panist Kernel Simon was severely injured in a hit-and-run incident earlier this week on November 17. Simon’s right leg was shattered in the crime as he crossed the Nostrand/Flatbush Avenue junction in Brooklyn, New York. He was on his way to work. Doctors expect it to take months before Kernel can walk again. Thus far there has been no arrest.
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Web Posted - Monday November 14, 2016
When Steel Talks

Global - Twenty-four-year-old Genelle Bharat was born and raised in the wonderful community of Old St. Joseph Road, Laventille, Trinidad. Her desire to perform has instilled in her a love for the steelpan, singing, African drums and other percussive instruments, as well as modeling. She has been playing the steelpan pan for sixteen years and singing for ten.

“This is my third year composing pan songs and also the third time Laventille Serenaders has been supporting me and choosing my composition as their selection for Panorama.”
listen to tune

Web Posted - Monday November 14, 2016
When Steel Talks

 Trumpism and the Steelpan Community - Intended Consequences: The Hate that Hate Produces

Global - On Tuesday November 9^th, Donald Trump became president of the United States of America, and simultaneously the scourges from the dark recesses of every cesspool in America, and around the world, rose to the top. Acts of public celebration, proclamations of liberation and affirmation of all that is wrong, seem to automatically become the norm for the future. The Long Winter is here, it has begun, it is real and it is going global.

....This year When Steel Talks spotlighted educator, performing artist and panist Dr. Miho Takekawa during our annual Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form. In a recent social media post Dr. Takekawa spoke of an incident she experienced that highlighted the changing climate and potential for a new low in human civility that ‘Trumpism’ has ushered in.
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Web Posted - Saturday November 12, 2016
When Steel Talks

Global - In 1971 at the age of six, Dexter Keane was the youngest member of the T&TEC Power Stars Steelband. Dexter recalls having to be placed on a wooden crate to enable him to play the tenor pan.

Dexter composed and performed his song Zhess back in 2011, while Anchors Away thrilled fans in 2015.

He is back in the saddle for the 2017 Panorama season on this track composed by Emanuel Ector and Gerard Ector, Rhythm Of The Pan.
listen to tune

Web Posted - Thursday November 10, 2016
When Steel Talks

Brooklyn, New York, USA - There is no shortage of great clubs that feature live music from outstanding performing musicians in New York. And in this regard the Trendz night club is well on its way to establish itself as such. Recently WST (When Steel Talks) was reminded of that fact after we caught a performance of famed Brooklyn panist extraordinaire Iman Pascall at the Trendz lounge located on the border of East Flatbush and Canarsie.

Iman Pascall who started off as a child prodigy in the New York pan circles has developed into a complete artist. On this evening at Trendz Iman was accompanied by her personal keyboardist Khuent Rose (performing artist, educator and composer in his own right) and house musicians from Ricardo Greenaway and friends.
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Web Posted - Thursday November 10, 2016
Sacramento News & Review

 Hitting steel with Shawn Thwaites
How the local jazz artist spreads love, acceptance through music

California, USA - When Shawn Thwaites mentored kids in Gaza, he taught them more than just music. He provided mental freedom through steel drums, the traditional Trinidadian instrument.

Five years ago, the Sacramento resident’s Muslim hip-hop group Native Deen toured with the United States Embassy to give a creative outlet to the children who weren’t allowed to venture out of Gaza. In most cases, learning about music was their only form of escape.

....Now, Thwaites performs with his jazz group, Shawn Thwaites Rebel Quartet. His music is soulful and tactical, teeming with emotional resonance. Although he performs with confidence, it wasn’t always that way.
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 9, 2016
When Steel Talks

Global - ‘Rhythm Run Tings,’ vocalized by renowned performing artist and composer in his own right, Kernal Roberts - is dedicated to all those in the engine room who produce the heartbeat of all the steelbands globally, pumping the rhythm section, filling the sound with a vibration and steady pulse for excitement in the music.

The song represents the third consecutive Panorama collaboration among Mark Loquan and Seion Gomez as composers, and Gregory “GB” Ballantyne as lyricist.

After doing ‘Bass On Fire’ which paid homage to the bass players in steelbands locally, regionally and internationally, Gomez and Loquan decided to pay tribute to those in the rhythm section this time around.
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 9, 2016
When Steel Talks

Global - “Oscar” Mark Roberts is from the twin island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago (Trinidad to be specific) W.I. He has a love of music from childhood, with a preference for a mouth organ as a choice of Christmas gift every year even as other 12-year-olds wanted toy cars, trucks, etc. Mark had the ability to play any Christmas carol he heard on the radio on his mouth-organ.

He started composing in 1991 with his first publication being in 2006 with ‘Clive Gone’ in honor of Clive Bradley’s memory.  Roberts has written and performed several songs since then, especially for the Panorama seasons.  For 2017, he is back with this track, “Thank You For The Music.”
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 8, 2016
When Steel Talks

Global - Derrick Seales is a well-known vocalist, and has been heard on several songs released for previous Panorama seasons, such as last year’s “Pan Eviction” composed by George La Barrie and 2013’s “Are We Better” penned by Curtis Edwards.

In 2010 and 2008 respectively, Derrick did the honors on “Something Special” and “Pressure.” He returns as vocalist on this track for the 2017 Panorama season, “Iron She Want” written by David ‘Booker’ Martin of “Hurry Hurry Come Fuh Curry” fame.
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Web Posted - Friday November 4, 2016
The Canberra Times

 Courtney’s steel drums silenced at the Wanniassa shops

Canberra, Australia - Is there anything more evocative or atmospheric than the steel drums? You can almost hear the ocean waves and feel the sun on your skin.

Well, there's no more of that soundtrack to tropical paradise at the Wanniassa shops - it's been silenced.

....Canberra musician Courtney Leiba is a familiar sight at the shops, busking there for at least 20 years, back when the supermarket was a Shop Rite.

....Turning 80 next year, Mr Leiba, originally from the West Indies, has over the course of his career, toured with Liberace and been nominated for a Grammy when playing with the Esso Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band.
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Web Posted - Thursday November 3, 2016
When Steel Talks

Global - ....In 2013 Superville put forward ‘Musical Giants’ as his melodic work for pan and in 2014 there were two - ‘Roll It Back’ and Steelband’s ‘Dark Horse.’ For the 2015 and 2016 Panorama seasons he came with ‘Fully Loaded’ and ‘Soca Ruption,’ respectively.

For 2017 Superville’s melodic contributions are slated to be ‘Look At Yourself’ and ‘Party Fever’ along with this track, ‘Non Stop.’
listen to tune

Web Posted - Wednesday November 2, 2016
Trinidad and Tobago Guardian

Serrette quits
No answers as PanTrinbago ‘buys’ BMW X5, Audi Q7...

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Trinbago vice-president Bryon Serrette yesterday resigned after he allegedly discovered a trail of questionable financial transactions and a large and growing debt within the organisation.

Among the issues which caused Serrette’s unexpected departure was the alleged purchase and intended use of two luxury vehicles—a BMW X5 and an Audi Q7—directly from London with Pan Trinbago funding to the tune of almost $94,086 up to the point it was discovered.
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 1, 2016
When Steel Talks

Global - With grumblings in social media circles by pan players in Trinidad & Tobago about a possible boycott of Panorama 2017, along with frustration voiced by many during the year - saying they had not received their stipends due them for participating in the 2016 season, another element has now been thrown into the mix.

Bryon Serrette - the now-former Vice President of Pan Trinbago, after being the organization’s No. 2 in command for the past seven years, tendered his resignation this past Sunday, October 30. This was brought about, basically, by allegations of fraud and improprieties within Pan Trinbago.
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When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - All rounds - all categories at a glance... Large, Medium, Small, Junior and Single Pan Band.

Complete info and results for Trinidad and Tobago's Steelband Panorama 2016.  Check out the background story on some of your favorite steel orchestras and their arrangers, what selections they played, and more.
check results

Web Posted
When Steel Talks

Upcoming

Global  - Upcoming Steelpan music events from all over the world
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Web Posted
When Steel Talks - Special

Champion Panorama Tunes of Trinidad and Tobago

Global - A critical component to winning any panorama competition is the song the orchestras choose to use as the basis of their panorama arrangements. Over the years these songs have inspired classic panorama arrangements. When Steel Talks invites you to take a look at and listen to, these famed tunes which have played more than just a cursory part in the history of Pan, and the lives of the players and fans.
click to hear and/or view